Drugs addiction is a phenomenon that has become a major challenge for modern societies, as the number of people who resort to the irresponsible use of medicines, whether to treat health conditions or for other purposes, is increasing, which threatens their physical and psychological health alike. This type of addiction is not limited to a specific group, but includes all ages and social classes, and is a complex phenomenon in which psychological, social and medical factors interfere, which makes dealing with it requires comprehensive awareness and cooperation between the competent authorities and society in general.
Excessive dependence on medications, especially those that contain narcotic or tranquilizing substances, can lead to changes in brain chemistry, making the individual unable to stop using them even if negative effects appear on their health or personal life. Therefore, the concept of drugs addiction, its causes, types and effects must be highlighted in addition to reviewing prevention and treatment methods with the aim of raising awareness and providing solutions that contribute to reducing this dangerous phenomenon that threatens the future of individuals and society alike.
What is drugs addiction?
Drugs addiction is a condition in which a person becomes excessively and unjustifiably dependent on medications, leading to psychological and physical dependence on those medications. This occurs when a person uses medications, especially tranquilizers, stimulants, or narcotics, in excess of the recommended dosage or for a longer period of time than the prescribed duration.
It is considered a brain disorder because it involves functional changes in brain circuits associated with reward, stress, and self-control, and these changes may persist long after a person stops using drugs.
Addiction is very similar to other diseases, such as heart disease, as both disrupt the normal and healthy functioning of a body organ, both have serious adverse effects, both are in many cases preventable and treatable, and if left untreated, they can last a lifetime and may even lead to death.
How can drugs addiction begin unintentionally?
When an addict first uses the drug, they may notice positive effects such as feeling in a good mood, improved health, or becoming happy. This is seen in patients suffering from anxiety and depression and they may also believe that they can control their use, but medications can quickly take over a person’s life over time, if they continue to take the medication, other enjoyable activities become less enjoyable and the person has to take the medication just to feel normal.
Addicts find it difficult to control their need to take doses of medication, even though it causes many issues for themselves and their loved ones. Some people may start to feel the need to take more or take it more frequently, even in the early stages of their drug addiction.
Types of drugs that lead to addiction
There are many types of medications that can lead to addiction when used irresponsibly or for prolonged periods of time:
- Narcotic medications (opioids): Such as morphine, heroin, tramadol, and shabu, which are used to relieve pain.
- Anti-anxiety medications and hypnotics: Benzodiazepines (such as diazepam and lorazepam), which are used to treat anxiety and insomnia.
- Antidepressants: Some types, especially those containing substances that affect the central nervous system, can be addictive if used unregulated.
- Drugs, Captagon, and stimulants: Sometimes used to increase concentration or to fight fatigue.
- Psychiatric medications and psychoactive drugs: Such as some antipsychotics and mood-altering medications.
The use of these medications should always be under medical supervision, adhering to the prescribed dosage, to avoid the risk of addiction and its serious health effects.
Causes and risk factors for drugs addiction
As with other diseases and disorders, the likelihood of developing addiction varies from person to person, and there is no single factor that determines whether a person will become addicted to drugs. In general, the more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance that substance abuse will lead to drug use and addiction. On the other hand, protective factors reduce the risks to which a person is exposed; risk and protective factors may be either environmental or biological.
The influence of biological factors on drugs addiction
Scientists estimate that genes, including the effects of environmental factors on a person’s gene expression, called epigenetics, account for 40 to 60 percent of a person’s risk of addiction, and adolescents and people with mental disorders are at higher risk of substance abuse and addiction than others.
The impact of environmental factors on drugs addiction
Environmental factors are those related to family, school, and neighborhood, and factors that can increase a person’s risk include:
- Home and family: The home environment, especially during childhood, is a very important factor. Parents or older family members who use drugs, abuse alcohol, or break the law can increase a child’s risk for future substance abuse issues.
- Peers and school: Friends and other peers can have an increasingly powerful influence during the teenage years Teens who use drugs can influence those who don’t have risk factors for trying drugs for the first time, as issues in school or poor social skills can put a child at greater risk of drug use or addiction.
Physical and psychological symptoms of drugs addiction
Drugs addiction can cause many symptoms that affect the addict’s life, including the following:
- Feeling the need to use the medication regularly every day or even several times a day
- Having strong incentives for medication prevents any other ideas
- Over time, you need more of the drug to get the same effect
- Taking larger amounts of medication over a longer period of time than you intended
- Making sure the supply of medicine is maintained
- Spending money on medicine, even if you can’t afford it
- Failure to fulfill work obligations and responsibilities, or reduced social or recreational activities due to medication use
- Continuing to use the drug, even though you know it’s causing trouble in your life or causing you physical or psychological harm
- Doing things to get medications that you wouldn’t normally do, such as stealing
- Driving or doing other risky activities when under the influence of the drug
- Spending too much time getting, using, or recovering from the effects of the medication
- Your attempts to stop taking the medication have failed
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop taking the medication
Early warning signs of drugs addiction
Possible signs that a person or patient is abusing medications include the following:
- Problems at school or work: Such as missing school or work often, a sudden lack of interest in school or work activities, low grades, or work performance
- Physical health issues: Lack of energy and motivation, weight loss or gain, or red eyes
- Careless appearance: Lack of attention to clothing or appearance
- Changes in behavior: Being irritable, depressed, agitated, or constantly distracted are all considered drastic changes in the behavior of a person who has started using drugs
- Repeatedly ordering the same medication at a higher-than-recommended dose
The best ways to prevent drugs addiction
To prevent medication addiction, there are several methods and procedures that can be followed to ensure the responsible and safe use of medications, the most important of which are:
- Professional medical advice: Always consult a doctor before taking any type of medication, follow instructions exactly, and do not exceed the recommended dosage or duration of treatment.
- Do not rely on medications independently: Avoid using medications without a prescription or without medical supervision, especially medications that contain narcotic or sedative substances.
- Awareness and health education: Spreading awareness among community members about the dangers of drugs addiction and the importance of responsible use, through awareness programs and the media.
- Control high-risk drugs: Regulate and restrict the sale of potentially addictive drugs, making sure they are only available by prescription.
- Avoid excessive or unnecessary use: Do not use medications for non-therapeutic purposes or for long periods of time without consulting your doctor.
- Monitor medications at home: Keep medications out of the reach of children, and dispose of unused medications safely.
- Encourage alternative treatment methods: Relying on psychotherapy, behavioral rehabilitation, and natural therapies to reduce reliance on medications to address health and mental health issues.
By following these methods, you can minimize the risk of drugs addiction and maintain overall health while ensuring effective and safe use of medications when needed.
The importance of medical follow-up in preventing prescription drugs addiction
Regular medical follow-up is essential in preventing addiction to prescription medications, as it contributes to monitoring medication use, avoiding overdoses, ensuring the effectiveness of treatment, minimizing the risks of psychological and physical dependence, helping to adjust treatment as needed, and early detection of signs of addiction or side effects, ensuring safe and responsible use of medications, thus contributing to protecting health and minimizing the likelihood of developing addiction.
Health risks of drugs addiction
Drugs addiction carries many health risks that greatly affect the human body and psychological state, including the most prominent of these risks:
- Deterioration of bodily functions: Addiction can lead to damage to vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and heart, as a result of excessive or irresponsible drug use, putting a person’s life at risk.
- Problems with the nervous system: Brain chemistry changes, causing mood swings, anxiety, depression, hallucinations, and poor concentration and memory.
- Increased risk of infectious diseases: Especially when using injectable medications, the risk of transmitting infectious diseases such as hepatitis B and C and HIV increases.
- Psychiatric and mental disorders: Such as anxiety disorders, depression, and psychotic disorders, which may worsen with continued dependence on medications.
- Respiratory issues: Especially with some types of medications that affect breathing and lead to serious respiratory disorders.
- Physical dependence and detachment from reality: This causes withdrawal when trying to stop and leads to an impaired ability to perform daily tasks and loss of self-control.
- Social and family issues: As a result of deteriorating health and mental health, leading to isolation, loss of employment, and deterioration of social relationships.
- These risks emphasize the importance of handling medications with caution, avoiding their irresponsible use, and seeking treatment when needed to avoid these serious health effects.
Effective treatments for drugs addiction
There are many effective ways to treat medication addiction, and treatment strategies vary depending on the type of addiction and severity, but generally include the following methods:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation: It takes place in specialized centers where the patient’s health condition is monitored and the necessary medications are provided to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, in addition to psychological and behavioral rehabilitation programs.
- Psychological and behavioral therapy
- Group support programs: Such as support groups (such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous), where individuals share their experiences and provide mutual support, enhancing the chances of recovery.
- Adjunctive medication: In some cases, certain medications are used to help reduce the urge to use or to ease withdrawal symptoms, such as buprenorphine or naltrexone for opioid addiction.
- Relapse prevention: Through ongoing follow-up programs, psychological support, and the development of strategies to counter the urge to return to substance abuse.
- Family and community intervention: Involving the family and community in the treatment plan to provide a supportive environment and minimize factors that may lead to relapse.
Effective treatment requires commitment from the patient, support from the family and community, and aims to comprehensively rehabilitate the person, achieve sustainable recovery, and return to a healthy and balanced life.
Psychological and behavioral treatment strategies for drugs addiction
Psychological and behavioral treatment strategies for drugs addiction include several practical approaches, most notably:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps the patient identify and change the thoughts and behaviors that lead to addiction and develop skills to deal with stress and cravings.
- Motivational therapy: It aims to enhance the patient’s motivation to change, motivate them to adhere to treatment, and strengthen their willpower to counter the desire to return to drug use.
- Group therapy: Provides a supportive environment by sharing the experiences of others, promotes a sense of unity, and encourages commitment to quitting.
- Behavioral rehabilitation programs: These include social skills training, developing self-confidence, and learning ways to deal with issues without relying on medication.
These strategies help address the psychological and behavioral causes of addiction and help the patient build a healthy and sustainable lifestyle after treatment.
The importance of detox in treating drugs addiction
Detox is the process by which the body removes toxic substances such as drugs or alcohol to rehabilitate from drugs addiction, detox refers to removing the addictive substance from the body, as the primary goal of detoxification is to control the withdrawal symptoms that arise when an individual stops using drugs, as withdrawal symptoms can be physical and psychological and the duration varies depending on factors such as the substance used, duration of use, and individual differences.
The severity of withdrawal symptoms depends on the substance the individual is detoxing from. Some substances, including opioids and benzodiazepines, can lead to very serious withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can range from physical discomfort to life-threatening complications, requiring a level of medical attention beyond what is required for substances with mild withdrawals.
Medical supervision during the detoxification process aims to ensure a safe transition to a drug-free state by closely monitoring the individual’s physical and mental state so that physicians can identify and address potential complications and provide a level of support that significantly minimizes the risks associated with the detoxification process. The detoxification phase is a key step that sets the tone for the following stages of drug rehabilitation. By cleansing the body of the addictive substance, individuals can achieve positive outcomes for better rehabilitation and increase the ability to engage in the psychotherapy required to achieve lasting recovery.
Awareness and social support play a vital role in preventing medication addiction, as they help raise awareness of the risks of addiction, promote healthy behaviors, and strengthen the support network around the individual. Through awareness, individuals learn about the risks of irresponsible medication use, the importance of adhering to medical guidelines, and ways to deal with stress in a healthy way.
As for social support, it provides a stimulating environment, encourages sound decision-making, and reduces feelings of loneliness and isolation, which may lead some to rely on drugs. Thus, awareness and support contribute to building a more aware society, reduce the likelihood of falling into addiction, and enhance the ability of individuals to resist the desire to use drugs, thus achieving effective health and social protection.
In the end, drugs addiction is a serious health issue that affects individuals and societies and requires awareness and early intervention to reduce its negative effects. Through awareness, appropriate treatment and psychosocial support, the risks of addiction can be minimized and help those affected to regain a healthy and balanced life, so prevention and early intervention are the key to protecting individuals and promoting a healthier and safer society, so prevention and early intervention is the key to protecting individuals and promoting a healthier and safer society.
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